Croix de la Valeur Militaire

Created on 11 April 1956, this cross was instituted to recognise bravery in the security operations in North Africa, particularly Algeria, after the end of WW2. It was awarded to personnel serving in the following areas:
Tunisia - from 1 January 1952
Morocco - 1 June 1953
Algeria - 31 October 1954
Mauritania - 10 January 1957

Since the end of the troubles in North Africa, the cross has been awarded for other actions overseas: Chad, Alysse & Aconit, the former Yugoslavia and the Central African Republic.

The palms and stars used for the Croix de Guerre are also used on this award.